CN111051020A

CN111051020A - Treatment head and combined blade unit for a hair cutting appliance

Info

Publication number: CN111051020A
Application number: CN201880056084.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·B·斯塔佩尔布罗克
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2017-08-30
Filing date: 2018-08-23
Publication date: 2020-04-21
Also published as: US11597107B2; US20210362359A1; WO2019042857A1; EP3450119A1; EP3687747B1; EP3687747A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a treatment head (124) for a hair cutting appliance (10), the treatment head (124) comprising a powered blade set (26), a linkage unit (92) and a razor blade (130), the powered blade set (26) comprising a stationary blade (42) and a movable blade (62), wherein the movable blade (62) is arranged to be moved relative to the stationary blade (42), to cut hair between the teeth (64) of the movable blade (62) and the teeth (44) of the stationary blade (42), the linkage unit supporting a powered blade set (26), wherein the linkage unit (92) is capable of effecting a contour-following pivoting movement of the powered blade set when the appliance (10) is operated to cut hair, and comprises (130), the razor blade is arranged to be mounted on a powered blade set (26) in such a manner that the powered blade set (26) and the razor blade (130) are pivotally supported by a linkage unit (92). The present disclosure further relates to a combined blade unit (126) and a hair cutting appliance (10) equipped with the combined blade unit (126).

Description

Treatment head and combined blade unit for a hair cutting appliance

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a treatment head for a hair cutting appliance, and to a blade unit incorporating a combination of a powered blade set and a razor blade. More particularly, but not to be construed in a limiting sense, the present disclosure also relates to a contour following mechanism for a hair cutting appliance that enables a certain rotational movement of the blade set when the appliance is operated.

Background

EP 1410884 a1 discloses a shaving apparatus comprising a drivable shaving unit having skin-contacting cutters for performing a first shaving action on a user's skin; a powered machine adapted to drive said shaving unit to perform said first shaving action; a blade having a razor-sharp cutting edge, the blade being positioned for shaving contact with a user's skin; and a protective surface arranged in front of the razor-sharp cutting edge, whereby the blade performs a second shaving action to cut hairs during use of the shaving unit to perform the first shaving action.

EP 0297300 a1 discloses a dry shaving apparatus comprising a housing, a drive assembly and a shaving head comprising at least one arcuate short hair cutter assembly and at least one long hair cutter assembly associated therewith, said shaving head being rotatably mounted on said housing with respect to a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of said shaving head.

The contour following mechanism has a positive impact on the comfort of the user, maintaining a relatively close contact between the bladeset and the skin. The profile-tracking mechanism may include a hinge and linkage mechanism to cause some adjustment movement in response to external forces acting on the blade set.

A typical design of a contour following mechanism for a hair cutting appliance is disclosed in WO 2015/074882 a 1. It is proposed therein to implement a contour following mechanism in a hair cutting appliance utilizing a double-walled stationary blade having a top wall and a bottom wall which together define a guide slot for a movable blade movably received therein. The blade set, consisting of the fixed blade and the movable blade, is suitable for the trimming process on the one hand. However, due to the double-walled shape of the stationary blade, its top wall facing the skin may be arranged rather thin when in operation. Thus, to some extent, the blade set may also be used for shaving procedures, styling procedures, and the like.

A method for manufacturing a double-walled stationary blade is disclosed in WO 2016/001019 a1 and WO 2016/042158 a1, which describe an arrangement in which at least a top layer wall of the stationary blade is at least substantially made of sheet metal material. In both documents, an integrated design of a metal part and a non-metal part is proposed, comprising an integrated manufacturing of a sheet metal and an injection molded part. Accordingly, insert molding and/or overmolding have been proposed to combine the advantages of metal and non-metal molded parts.

It has been noted, however, that the smoothness of the shave achievable in each case is not equivalent to the smoothness of a conventional wet shaving process using a razor (razor).

There are several ways in which the trimming blade set and razor blade may be combined in one appliance. However, trimming blade sets and razor blades are typically arranged in distinctly different positions of the housing of the hair cutting appliance. Reference is made herein to any of EP 2243605 a1, US 2011/0010943 a1 and US 2005/0217115 Al. These references describe a multi-purpose hair cutting appliance having a razor blade and a trimming blade. However, these documents show conventional design approaches in which the trimming blade and the razor blade are spaced apart from each other considerably and/or in which a relatively complicated mechanism is operated to switch between the trimming mode and the shaving mode. This makes the device bulky and results in cumbersome operation.

Thus, the user must change grip to switch between the trimming mode of operation and the shaving mode of operation or activate a mechanism to replace one of the trimming blades onto the razor blade. Furthermore, even if a contour following mechanism is provided for the trimming blade set and the razor blades, the same contour following mechanism cannot be used for both the trimming blade set and the shaving blades. Furthermore, it is difficult, if not often impossible, to use both the shaving blade and the trimming blade.

Many users still prefer to use two separate devices in order to achieve a certain level of performance in the trimming process and the shaving process.

Thus, in this respect, there is still room for improvement in the design of the blade set for a hair cutting appliance.

Disclosure of Invention

As mentioned above, it is an object of the present disclosure to propose a combined treatment head for a hair cutting appliance which solves at least some of the drawbacks mentioned above. Preferably, the treatment head elevates and expands the field of application of the hair cutting appliance. It is desirable to provide a single appliance that can trim, shave, shape, and additionally smooth wet shave with razor blades. It is therefore desirable to propose a combined device that enables the user to perform some grooming processes without the need to use two or even more devices.

Furthermore, the treatment head is preferably arranged in such a way that the appliance fitted with the treatment head is compact in design and is generally easy to manufacture. However, the performance in the trimming mode of operation and the wet shaving mode of operation should be sufficiently good and convincing that the user is not prompted to use a separate device.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the contour following capability of the appliance is provided and retained in both the trimming mode of operation and the wet shaving mode of operation.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a treatment head for a hair cutting appliance is presented, the treatment head comprising:

a powered blade set comprising a stationary blade and a movable blade, wherein the movable blade is arranged to be moved relative to the stationary blade to cut hair between teeth of the movable blade and teeth of the stationary blade,

a linkage unit supporting the powered blade set, wherein the linkage unit is capable of effecting a contour-following pivotal movement of the powered blade set when the operating appliance is operated to cut hair, and

-a razor blade arranged to be mounted in a powered blade set in such a way that: the powered blade set and razor blades are pivotally supported by the linkage unit.

The present disclosure is based on the idea that a powered blade set provided with a profile-tracking feature can be operated as a carrier for razor blades. The razor blades also have a profile-following characteristic when the razor blades are pivotally supported by the powered blade set.

When the razor blade is mounted in a powered blade set, in particular to its stationary blade, the cutting and leading edges of the blades concerned are arranged close to each other. Preferably, the razor blade is arranged adjacent a leading edge of a powered blade set formed by a series of teeth thereof. Thus, a substantially similar orientation of the appliance in the shaving mode and the trimming mode is possible. This has the effect that no significant reorientation or change in grip of the apparatus is required when the user switches between the powered blade set and the razor blade.

It is noted that in another mode of operation, in some embodiments, the user may operate the powered blade set and the razor blade simultaneously as they are adjacent or proximate to each other in the respective adapted orientations. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the cutting edges of the razor blades and the adjacent leading edges of the powered blade sets are positioned in alignment and/or at least substantially aligned such that the razor blades and the powered blade sets are simultaneously in skin contact in respective operative orientations that are horizontal relative to the skin. Thus, use may be made of a combined shaving process in which the hair is first cut and the remaining stubble is subsequently shaved off, even in one stroke.

According to a typical embodiment, the razor blade is mounted on a skin facing top wall of a stationary blade of the blade set.

In a typical arrangement of a treatment head, razor blades are permanently mounted on a powered blade set. In other words, the razor blades are fixedly mounted in a non-removable manner on the powered blade set.

In another exemplary embodiment, the razor blades are bonded or molded to a powered blade set. According to this embodiment, the powered blade set and razor blade may be integrally manufactured and/or assembled using manufacturing techniques such as insert molding, over-molding, and the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, the razor blade is removably mounted on a powered blade set. Thus, the razor blade is detachable, e.g. for replacement.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, a snap interface is formed between the razor blade and the powered blade set. Thus, no additional tools are required for mounting and dismounting the razor blade.

In another typical embodiment of the treatment head, the razor blades are arranged on the top end side of the powered blade set. Preferably, the shaver is arranged at a top wall of the stationary blade, which top wall may also be referred to as the guard wall or the first wall.

Generally, the razor blades and powered blade sets are located in close proximity to one another.

In another typical embodiment of the treatment head, the razor blade is provided with a cutting edge parallel to a leading edge of the powered blade set, the leading edge being defined by the tips of the teeth of the fixed blade. In this way, it is generally possible to move the device along the skin using the same forward direction in the trimming mode and the shaving mode.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, the linkage unit defines a virtual pivot axis for the powered blade set and the razor blade. The virtual pivot may also be referred to as a transient pivot. A linkage arrangement having a number of links movable relative to each other may be used to define a virtual pivot axis to enable pivotal movement for the blade set. The virtual pivot may be placed "above" the top layer wall of the stationary blade in the following areas: in this region, it is substantially impossible to provide discrete links providing respective pivots.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, the linkage unit is a four-bar linkage unit. Other types of link units having a smaller or larger number of joints are contemplated.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, the four-bar linkage unit comprises a first side bar, a second side bar, and a top bar, wherein the first side bar and the second side bar are spaced apart from each other, wherein the top bar is disposed between a top end of the first side bar and a top end of the second side bar, and wherein a bottom side of the powered blade set is disposed at or forms the top bar.

The use of a four-bar linkage unit involves a great design freedom, so that the required features of the profile-following characteristics can be achieved by adjusting the linkage unit.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, at least one hinge of the link unit is formed as a living hinge. Generally, living hinges are formed by a defined weak point having a very small wall thickness. The use of living hinges generally may reduce manufacturing costs, assembly costs, and the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, the razor blades are inclined relative to the powered blade set in such a way that: the treatment head is operable to engage the user's skin with the powered blade set and razor blade simultaneously in a single stroke. Preferably, firstly a powered blade set and secondly razor blades approach a specific processing area to cut hair. In other words, a dual action two stage shaving process may be performed in which a particular skin portion is contacted first by the leading edge of the powered blade set (for a scissor-like cutting action) and then by the cutting edge of the razor blade (for a shaving-like cutting action). Thus, a smooth shave requires only one pass.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, the razor blades are inclined relative to the powered blade set in such a way that: the treatment head is operable in a first operating orientation for the powered blade set and in a second operating orientation for the razor blade, wherein the first and second operating orientations are inclined to each other at an angle of less than 30 degrees, preferably less than 15 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. As with the dual action embodiment discussed above, the substantially nearly aligned arrangement of the first and second operational orientations facilitates substantially parallel (simultaneous) interaction of the powered blade set and razor blades with the skin.

Thus, in some embodiments, the tilt angle between the first operating direction and the second operating direction is close to zero. This may involve an embodiment wherein an imaginary line connecting the cutting edges of the blades of the shaver also intersects or at least approaches the leading edge of the powered blade set. However, since the skin of a person is relatively soft, a certain inclination angle between the first and second operational orientations may be acceptable, as the powered blade set and the razor blade may still contact the skin simultaneously to cut hair.

The first operational orientation includes a certain operational angle for the powered blade set. The second operating orientation comprises an operating angle for the razor blade that is different from the operating angle of the first operating orientation. The operating angle describes the inclination of the appliance with respect to the skin of the user of the hair to be treated/cut.

As mentioned above, in the second mode of operation there is no need to use the appliance in a completely off-direction manner. Switching between the first and second modes of operation involves a relatively small tilting movement. Alternatively, a combined mode of operation for completing both trimming and shaving in one go is also possible.

In another exemplary embodiment of the treatment head, one of the razor blade and the powered blade set contacts the skin in a respective operative direction in a single stroke movement of the treatment head, depending on the angular orientation of the treatment head.

In other words, for a shaving process, the treatment head has a first inclination with respect to the skin. For a trimming or styling operation, the treatment head has a second inclination with respect to the skin. Preferably, the transition between the two operating orientations does not involve excessive movement.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a combined blade unit for a hair cutting appliance is shown, the blade unit comprising:

-a razor blade arranged to be mounted in a powered blade set in such a way that: the powered blade set and razor blades are pivotally supported by a linkage unit,

wherein the razor blades are arranged at a top side of the powered blade set,

wherein the mounting interface is disposed at a bottom side of the powered blade set, an

Wherein the blade unit is arranged to be coupled with the hair cutting appliance via a link unit which pivotally supports the powered blade set and the razor blade.

In a typical embodiment of the combined blade unit, the powered blade set is arranged to be detachably mounted to the hair cutting appliance via a linkage unit.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrically powered hair cutting appliance is presented, the hair cutting appliance being arranged to be moved through hair in a direction of motion for cutting hair, the hair cutting appliance comprising a treatment head according to at least one embodiment described herein, the treatment head being equipped with a blade unit comprising a combination of a powered blade set and a razor blade.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a hair cutting appliance is presented, which is arranged to be moved through hair in a direction of motion for cutting hair, the appliance comprising a treatment head according to at least one embodiment described herein. The treatment head is equipped with a combined blade unit comprising a powered blade set and razor blades.

Optionally, the appliance comprises a housing comprising a handle portion and a drive unit arranged within the housing.

In general, the powered bladeset may include a substantially linear leading edge defined by a corresponding series of stationary blade teeth (and moving blade teeth). According to this embodiment, there is a substantially reciprocating and substantially linear relative motion between the movable blade and the stationary blade. However, this does not exclude embodiments in which the movable blade presents an at least slightly curved (oscillating) path of movement with respect to the stationary blade. This may be caused, for example, by a corresponding guide link for the movable blade.

Furthermore, instead of a substantially linear arrangement of the blade sets, curved or even circular arrangements of the blade sets are also conceivable. Thus, a slightly curved or rounded leading edge defined by the respective arrangement of the stationary blade teeth (and the moving blade teeth) may thereby be provided. Accordingly, whenever longitudinal, transverse, and/or height directions are mentioned herein, they should not be construed in a limiting sense. Curved or circular bladesets may be defined and described with reference to similar directions, as well as with reference to polar directions and/or more appropriate direction information. Thus, a cartesian coordinate system may be used as well as a polar coordinate system and further suitable coordinate systems to describe the design of the blade set for linearity and/or bending.

In some embodiments, the powered bladeset is provided with two opposing leading edges, i.e., two opposing rows of stationary blade teeth and moving blade teeth. In this manner, the push and pull motion of the powered blade set may be used for the cutting operation. Furthermore, in this way, the hair cutting appliance can be configured more flexibly, facilitating styling operations and hair cutting operations in difficult to reach areas.

Drawings

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings

Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance;

fig. 2 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a blade set for a hair cutting appliance;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded top perspective view of a blade set and a contour following mechanism according to the apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a processing head utilizing at least some components of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the processing head of FIG. 4 with some components omitted for illustration purposes;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 shows a simplified side view of an exemplary embodiment of a processing head including a combined blade unit mounted to a contour following mechanism.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of a hair cutting appliance 10. The hair cutting appliance 10 is arranged as an appliance capable of trimming and shaving.

The appliance 10 includes a housing 12 arranged in an elongate manner. At the housing 12, a handle portion 14 is defined. In the housing 12, a drive unit 16 is arranged. In addition, a battery 18 may be disposed in the housing 12. In fig. 1, the drive unit 16 and the battery 18 are indicated by dashed boxes. At the housing 12, operator controls such as on/off buttons may be provided.

At its top end, the appliance 10 includes a treatment head 24 mounted to the housing 12. The processing head 24 includes a blade set 26. The blade set 26, and in particular the movable blades thereof, can be actuated and driven in a reciprocating manner by the drive unit 16, see also the double arrow 28 in fig. 1. Thus, the individual teeth of the blades of the blade set 26 move relative to each other, thereby effecting a cutting action. The top and top sides of the blade set 26 are indicated at 30 in fig. 1.

The blades of the blade set 26 are disposed at a first leading edge 32, and in at least some embodiments, at a second leading edge 34 opposite the first leading edge 32. The first leading edge 32 may also be referred to as the front leading edge. The second leading edge may also be referred to as the back leading edge.

Further, the general direction of advancement or movement of the implement 10 is represented in FIG. 1 by double arrow 38. Since the blade set 26 of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 is equipped with two leading

edges

32, 34, a push-pull motion can be used to cut hair.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the stationary blade and the blade set 26 will be set forth and described in detail. The blade set 26 may be mounted to the appliance 10 or similar appliance. It goes without saying that individual features disclosed in the context of the respective embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment or may be separated in such a way as to form further embodiments still within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some of the figures shown herein, a typical coordinate system is shown for illustrative purposes. As used herein, the X-axis is designated as longitudinal. Further, the Y-axis is designated as transverse. Therefore, the Z-axis is designated as vertical (height) direction. The corresponding association of the axis/direction X, Y, Z with the respective features and extensions of the blade set 26 can be derived from these figures. It should be understood that coordinate system X, Y, Z is provided primarily for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. This includes the fact that the coordinate system can easily be transformed and transformed by the skilled person when faced with further embodiments, illustrations and deviating from the view direction. Furthermore, the transformation of a cartesian coordinate system into a polar coordinate system is conceivable, in particular in the case of circular or curved blade sets.

In fig. 2, a top perspective view of a blade set 26 for a treating or cutting head 24 of the hair cutting appliance 10 is shown. As in the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the direction of cutting and/or the direction of relative movement of the blades of the blade set 26 is indicated by arrow 28. The top side of the blade set 26 facing the user when operating the appliance 10 is indicated by 30. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the blade set 26 is provided with a first leading edge 32 and a second leading edge 34. The stationary blade 42 of the blade set 26 is shown in FIG. 2. In fig. 2 the movable blade (cutting blade) is covered by a fixed blade 42. The stationary blade teeth are indicated at 44.

The movable blades of blade set 26 are not visible in fig. 2, and are operated and actuated via drive engaging element 48, which may also be referred to as a drive bridge. In the element 48, a driving or engaging groove is formed which is engaged by the driving pin 50 of the driving shaft 52. The drive shaft 52 rotates about the drive shaft 54, see curved arrow 56. Drive pin 50 is eccentric with respect to drive shaft 54. Thus, as the drive pin 50 rotates, reciprocating movement of the movable blade relative to the fixed blade 42 is achieved.

In fig. 2, a pivot mechanism 58, which may be referred to as a profile-following feature, is further indicated. The mechanism 58 allows some pivotal movement of the blade set 26 about the Y-axis.

With reference to fig. 3-7, exemplary insights and aspects of the present disclosure will be described and discussed in more detail. The embodiments described below may thus be implemented in the general layout of the appliance 10 shown in fig. 1 and/or the treatment head 24 shown in fig. 2. For illustrative purposes, fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the device of fig. 2 in a similar view orientation, with some components omitted for illustrative purposes.

As indicated above, the processing head 24 includes a blade set 26 arranged as a powered (motor driven) blade set. In general, the treatment head 24 may also be referred to as a cutting head. The blade set 26 includes a fixed blade 42 (see fig. 2) and a movable blade 62 disposed in a guide slot 60 defined by the fixed blade 42. The moving blade 62 includes moving blade teeth 64 arranged to mate with the stationary blade teeth 44 at both leading

edges

32, 34. In this case, it is noted that in an alternative embodiment, the bladeset 26 may include only one leading edge, with the stationary blade teeth 44 and the moving blade teeth 64 cooperating with each other.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the stationary blade 42 is a double-walled blade that includes a first top wall 72 and a second bottom wall 74. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 3, stationary blade 42 is comprised of a metal component 68 and a plastic component 70. Metal part 68 defines and forms a substantial portion of top wall 72. The plastic component 70 defines and forms a floor wall 74 at the bottom side of the blade set 26. The top surface of the top wall 72 is indicated by reference numeral 76. In the operative condition of the blade set 26, the top wall 72 at the top side of the blade set 26 faces the skin to cut hair.

Alternatively, in other alternative embodiments, the top layer wall 72 and the bottom layer wall 76 are formed entirely of a metallic material. According to the embodiment of fig. 3, the stationary blade 42 is an integrally manufactured metal-plastic composite part. By way of example, the metal part 68 may form an insert part that is disposed in a mold for an injection molding process to form the plastic part 70 and to bond the plastic part 70 and the metal part 68 together.

Since the plastic part is an injection molded part, further design features may be formed thereon, at least in some embodiments. For example, a driving groove 80 is formed at a middle portion of the plastic part 70. In the mounted state of the processing head 24, the drive connector 82 is arranged in the drive slot 80 and extends through the drive slot 80 from its bottom side into the guide slot 60. In the channel 60, a drive connector 82 is attached to the movable blade 62. As shown in fig. 3, a drive engagement element 48 is provided at the drive connector 82 so that the drive system of the hair cutting appliance 10 can actuate the movable blade 62 to produce a reciprocating motion relative to the stationary blade 42. Therefore, when the drive connector 82 is mounted to the movable blade 62, the fitted state of the movable blade 62 in the guide groove 60 is maintained.

At the plastic part 80, there may be further formed mounting features 84, such as embedded hooks or the like. Mounting features 84 are provided at the bottom side of the plastic part 70 to mount the blade set 26 to the contour following mechanism 58. At the profile-tracking mechanism 58, a mating snap interface 88 is provided that contains, for example, a groove arranged to be engaged by the mounting feature 84 of the blade set 26. Thus, a snap connection is possible, so that the blade set 26 is detachable, e.g. for replacement.

On a bottom side of the contour following mechanism 58 facing away from the blade set 26, a further mounting interface 90 is provided. Via the mounting interface 90, the contour tracking mechanism 58, as well as the blade set 26, may be mounted to the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, the contour tracing mechanism 58 includes a link unit 92 arranged as a four-bar link unit. The link unit 92 includes a first side bar 94 and a second side bar 96. Further, a top bar 98 is provided connecting the first side bar 94 and the second side bar 96. At the bottom end of the link unit 92, a bottom lever 100 is provided. At the bottom bar 100, a mounting interface 90 is formed. At the top bar 98, the snap interface 88 for the blade set 26 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the linkage unit 92 may comprise two separate linkages, each linkage comprising a first side bar 94, a second side bar 96, a top bar 98, and a bottom bar 100. These links are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). Thus, alternatively, the link unit 92 is a split link unit (split link unit).

Between the bottom bar 100 and the first side bar 94, a hinge 102 is provided. Between the bottom bar 100 and the second side bar 96. A hinge 104 is provided. Between the first side bar 94 and the top bar 98, a hinge 106 is provided. Between the second side bar 96 and the top bar 98, a hinge 108 is provided. Thus, four rotating links are provided, which are coupled by

hinges

102, 104, 106, 108, respectively. Thus, a contour following pivoting motion 112 is possible for the top link 98 and the blade set mounted thereto.

It is noted that the top bar 98 and/or the bottom bar 100 need not be arranged as distinct elements. Alternatively, the top bar 98 may be realized by the bottom wall 74 of the stationary blade 42. Similarly, the bottom bar 100 may be realized by the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance, see fig. 1 and 4.

Arranging the linkage unit 92 as a four-bar linkage may enable the pivotal movement 112 generated at the top bar 98 to actually encompass a virtual (instantaneous) pivot defined in an area where discrete pivots are not practically possible due to manufacturing limitations, assembly space limitations, and the like. Furthermore, such virtual pivots are instantaneous pivots. In other words, the actual position of the virtual pivot depends on the actual pivoting state of the link unit 92.

Having described the treating head 24 and blade set 26 in detail herein above, reference is now made to fig. 4-7 which illustrate an improved design of a treating head for a cutting hair appliance 10.

As shown in fig. 4, a processing head 124 may be provided that implements a combined blade unit 126 in at least some embodiments. The blade unit 126 is provided with the blade set 26 generally arranged as discussed above. The description of the blade set 26 so far in connection with fig. 1-3 still applies.

However, since the razor blades 130 are provided in addition to the powered blade set 26, the combined blade unit 126 is increased. As shown in fig. 4, the razor blade 130 is arranged at the fixed blade 42 of the blade set 26. The razor blade 130 may be mounted to the fixed blade 42 and/or integrally formed with the fixed blade 42. The razor blade 130 is not driven by a motor.

Razor blade 130 includes a frame 132 that supports and carries at least one blade 134 or a row of blades 134. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4, three blades 134 are provided in succession. Each of the blades 134 is provided with a sharpened cutting edge 136, which cutting edges 136 are configured for a shaving process, in particular a wet shaving process.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4, skin preparation area 138 is disposed in front of blade 134. The preparation area 138 may comprise a relatively soft material such as rubber, silicone, an elastomeric material, or the like. When razor blade 130 is in operation, first preparation area 138 contacts some portion of the skin. A preparation area 138 may be provided to raise flat hairs. Thus, in a shaving operation, as razor blades 130 advance, at least one of blades 134 contacts the hair and cuts or trims the hair very close to the skin.

A connector 140 for mounting the razor blade 130 on the fixed blade 42 of the blade set 26 is further indicated in fig. 4.

The main aspect of the arrangement of the treatment head 124 shown in fig. 4 is that the razor blade 130 also employs the contour following mechanism 58 when the razor blade 130 is mounted to the fixed blade 42. Thus, the profile-tracking mechanism 58 may also effect a profile-tracking pivoting motion of the razor blade 130 as the treatment head 124 advances along a motion path at the skin.

There may be some embodiments of the connector 140. In some embodiments, the razor blade 130 is permanently mounted to the stationary blade 42. This may include monolithic and combinatorial manufacturing. Alternatively, the blade set 26 and razor blade 130 may be produced separately and joined to one another to form the combined blade unit 126. Alternatively, the bonding process may comprise welding, gluing, welding, riveting, or the like. Further, an integral manufacturing method such as insert molding may be used.

In an alternative embodiment, the razor blade 130 is arranged to be mounted to the fixed blade 42 and dismounted from the fixed blade 42 by an interface (e.g., a snap or plug-in/snap interface).

As shown in fig. 4, cutting edges 136 of razor blades 130 are substantially parallel to leading edge 32. This has the effect that either of the razor blades 130 and the leading edge 32 of the blade set 26 can be operated using a rather similar or almost identical forward movement (arrow 38 in fig. 1).

The appliance shown in fig. 4 may use a powered blade set 26 for the trimming process and a razor blade 130 for the shaving process. Note that in this case, in at least some embodiments, the powered blade set 26 is also capable of shaving, particularly when the top wall 72 of the stationary blade 42 is relatively thin. However, it has been observed that a smoother shave can be achieved when razor blades are used in addition to the powered blade set 26.

The arrangement shown in fig. 4 has the further effect that essentially the same gripping position can be used to operate either of the razor blade 130 and the powered blade set 26. Thus, the position of the grip does not necessarily need to be changed when switching between the razor blade 130 and the powered blade set 26. Alternatively, a combined mode of operation for trimming with the powered blade set 26 and shaving with the razor blades 130 in one stroke is possible.

Furthermore, because the blades 134 of the razor blades 130 and the leading edge 32 of the powered blade set 26 are relatively close to one another, the visibility and accessibility conditions remain substantially unchanged.

The limiter 148 is further shown in fig. 4 arranged to cooperate with a limiter 150. The stopper 150 is disposed at the bottom bar 100 of the link unit 92 or coupled with the bottom bar 100 of the link unit 92. At the top bar 98 of the link unit 92, a stopper 148 is provided which cooperates with a stopper 150. In this manner, a maximum level of relative rotation between the top bar 98 and the bottom bar 100 may be defined. The stop 150 also defines a maximum profile tracking pivot motion for any blade of the combined blade set 126.

Fig. 5 and 6 show side views of a processing head using a combined blade unit 126. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view. Fig. 6 is a standard side view.

In fig. 5 and 6, the link unit 92 of the contour tracing mechanism is further illustrated. As best seen in fig. 5, at least some of the

hinges

102, 104, 106, 108 may be arranged as living hinges. In other words, the

hinges

102, 104, 106, 108 do not contain distinct and separate pivots. In contrast, relative pivotal movement between the

rods

94, 96, 98, 100 of the link unit 92 is possible because the

hinges

102, 104, 106, 108 are defined by portions having a relatively thin wall thickness.

In at least some embodiments, the linkage unit 92 is a single integrally formed component. This has a positive effect on manufacturing costs, assembly costs, durability, etc.

In the cross-sectional view of fig. 5, the mounting features 84 and snap interface 88 between the stationary blade 42 and the contour tracking mechanism 58 are also shown. The connectors 140 connecting the razor blades 130 and the stationary blades may have similar shapes and use similar elements. In an alternative embodiment, however, the connector 140 forms a fixed connection between the stationary blade 42 and the razor blade 130.

The mounting features 84 and the snap interface 88 form a mounting interface 164 arranged as a snap connection. In fig. 6, reference numeral 166 indicates a similar snap-fit connection 166 between the blade set 26 and the razor blade 130 to form the combined blade set 126.

In fig. 5 and 6, an imaginary operating orientation 156 defined by the leading edge 32 of the blade set 26 and the leading end of the razor blade 130 is indicated for illustrative purposes, similarly, an imaginary operating orientation 158 of the razor blade 130 is shown, there is an angular offset α (alpha) between the two

orientations

156, 158, reference numerals 156, 258 represent potential contact areas/orientations in the various (different) operating modes when the appliance 10 is used with the razor blade 130 or with the powered blade set 130.

Preferably, the offset angle α is relatively small, and may be, for example, less than 30 degrees, preferably less than 15 degrees, and more preferably less than 10 degrees, thus only slightly changing the overall orientation of the treatment head 124 relative to the skin, i.e., switching between operation of the powered blade set 26 and operation of the unpowered razor blade.

In addition, parallel (simultaneous) cutting action involving the razor blade 130 and the powered blade set 26 is possible, at least in some embodiments, to this end, the angle α between the two

imaginary orientations

156, 158 may approach zero, resulting in parallel (simultaneous) engagement of the razor blade 130 and the powered blade set 26 in the respective operative orientations.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of a processing head to explain exemplary kinematic contexts.

As with the embodiments already discussed herein, the treatment head 124 shown in fig. 7 includes a combined blade unit 126, the blade unit 126 including the blade set 26 and razor blades 130. The razor blades 130 are disposed on top of the fixed blade 42 of the blade set 26 and are at least temporarily secured thereto. At the razor blades 130, a number of blades 134 are provided. At the blade set 26, a movable blade 62 is provided that is movably retained in a guide slot 60 defined by the fixed blade 42. In order to attach the combined blade set 126 to the housing of the hair cutting appliance 10, a link unit 92 is provided which can be used as a contour following mechanism 58.

As has been discussed previously herein, the linkage unit 92 includes a top bar 98, a bottom bar 100, and side bars 94, 96. For purposes of illustration,

discrete hinges

102, 104, 106, 108 are shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, an integrally formed living hinge may be used.

The operative orientation 156 of the blade set 26, and in particular the operative orientation of the first leading edge 32 thereof, is defined by the tips of the stationary blade teeth 44 and the shape of the frame 132 of the razor blade 130 present at the top layer wall of the stationary blade 42. the operative orientation 158 of the razor blade 130 is defined in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5 by the line of connection connecting the tips of the blades 134 of the razor blade 130.

Connecting lines

170, 172 connecting two of the

hinges

102, 104, 106, 108, respectively, form an instantaneous virtual pivot 174 at their intersection. The design of the linkage unit 92 may be adapted to achieve the desired motion transfer characteristics. As shown in fig. 7, the transient virtual pivot 174 is disposed above the top surface 76 of the stationary blade 42.

It is noted that while aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to a double-walled arrangement of the stationary blade 42 of the powered blade set 26, this should not be construed as limiting. Instead, it is alternatively possible for alternative embodiments of the powered blade set 26 to implement a single walled stationary blade 42 that does not provide a bottom wall 74 in addition to a top wall 72. In such a case, the mounting interface of the bladeset 26 is not formed on the bottom wall, but rather on the frame or support thereof.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A treatment head (124) for a hair cutting appliance (10), the treatment head (124) comprising:

-a powered blade set (26) comprising a stationary blade (42) and a movable blade (62), wherein the movable blade (62) is arranged to be moved relative to the stationary blade (42) to cut hair between teeth (64) of the movable blade (62) and teeth (44) of the stationary blade (42),

-a linkage unit (92) supporting the powered blade set (26), wherein the linkage unit (92) is capable of effecting a contour-following pivotal movement of the powered blade set (26) when the appliance (10) is operated for cutting hair, and

-a razor blade (130) arranged to be mounted to the powered blade set (26) in such a way that: the powered blade set (26) and the razor blade (130) are pivotally supported by the linkage unit (92).

2. The treatment head (124) of claim 1, wherein the razor blade (130) is permanently mounted to the powered blade set (26).

3. The treatment head (124) of claim 2, wherein the razor blade (130) is bonded or molded to the powered blade set (26).

4. The treatment head (124) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the razor blade (130) is detachably mounted to the powered blade set (26).

5. The treatment head (124) of claim 4, wherein a snap interface is formed between the razor blade (130) and the powered blade set (26).

6. The treatment head (124) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the razor blades (130) are arranged at a top layer wall (72) of the powered blade set (26).

7. The treatment head (124) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the razor blade (130) is provided with a cutting edge (136), the cutting edge (136) being parallel to a leading edge (32) of the powered blade set (26) defined by the tips of the teeth (44) of the fixed blade (42).

8. The treatment head (124) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the linkage unit (92) defines a virtual pivot axis (174) for the powered blade set (26) and the razor blade (130).

9. The processing head (124) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the linkage unit (92) is a four-bar linkage unit.

10. The processing head (124) of claim 9, wherein the four-bar linkage unit (92) comprises a first side bar (94), a second side bar (96), and a top bar (98), wherein the first side bar (94) and the second side bar (96) are spaced apart from each other, wherein the top bar (98) is disposed between a top end of the first side bar (94) and a top end of the second side bar (96), and wherein a bottom side of the powered blade set (26) is disposed at or forms the top bar (98).

11. A treatment head (124) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one hinge of the link unit (92) is formed as a living hinge.

12. A treatment head (124) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the razor blade (130) is inclined with respect to the powered blade set (26) in such a way that: the treatment head (124) is operable to simultaneously engage the powered blade set (26) and the razor blade (130) with the user's skin in a single stroke such that hair is preferably cut first with the powered blade set (26) and second with the razor blade (130) proximate a particular treatment area.

13. The treatment head (124) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at a stroke movement of the treatment head (124), one of the razor blade (130) and the powered blade set (26) is in contact with the skin in a respective operative orientation (156, 158) depending on an angular orientation of the treatment head (124).

14. A combined blade unit (126) for a hair cutting appliance (10), the blade unit comprising:

-a powered blade set (26) comprising a stationary blade (42) and a movable blade (62), wherein the movable blade (62) is arranged to be moved relative to the stationary blade (42) to cut hair between teeth (64) of the movable blade (62) and teeth (44) of the stationary blade (42), and

-a razor blade (130) arranged to be mounted to the powered blade set (26) in such a way that: the powered blade set (26) and the razor blade (130) are pivotally supported by a linkage unit (92),

wherein the razor blade (130) is arranged at a top layer wall (72) of the powered blade set (26),

wherein a mounting interface (164) is provided at a floor wall (74) of the powered blade set (26), and

wherein the blade unit (126) is arranged to be coupled with a hair cutting appliance (10) via a linkage unit (92) pivotally supporting the powered blade set (26) and the razor blade (130).

15. An electrically powered hair cutting appliance (10), the hair cutting appliance (10) being arranged to be moved through hair in a direction of movement (38) to cut hair, the hair cutting appliance (10) comprising a treatment head (124) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the treatment head being mounted with a combined blade set (126), the combined blade set (126) comprising a powered blade set (26) and a razor blade (130).